2008-A New Year and Beginning

By Mary Evans Tuesday, January 08, 2008

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This is the first post, I hope of many to come. I have always wanted a forum to help relieve the frustration of chronic pain.

I am so glad I found this forum to find others that are experiencing the same thing. I read a post from a young lady last night that was very disturbing to me. She talked about her chronic pain and having 3 young children depending on her. I really cannot get the desperation of her post out of my mind.

There has to be something done to help people with chronic pain. I've read a lot on here about doctors not understanding their patients. When they try to talk to the doctor, they are being treated like they are just looking for drugs.

I have been to the doctors that have treated me the same way. After going through disc fusion in my neck and then injuring my spine, I went to a spine specialist. He was very abrupt when he heard my prior doctor had given me Vicodin. He said to me, 'I'll tell you right now...I am not a candy man.' I did not have a clue why he was saying this, that's how naive I am. I had to get home and relate the conversation to someone else that could explain this to me! I just started crying with the frustration.

I have been taking Cymbalta for the depression I feel and it has only made it worse. I took my first Lyrica today, and I feel like I can do things. It really seems to help. I will take another tomorrow and see if it helps.

I really hope to continue to post in this forum. I intend to read more posts and offer help and understanding to others.

January 12, 2008

When I first started this post on 1/8, I really thought...OK, I can do this. I will continue to write nightly as a journal and keep a record of how Lyrica is either working or not working.

I also enjoyed reading so many encouraging posts that it really made me feel like I was doing something good. Thanks go out to Mear, Chuck and Betty Boop Too! Wow, what a feeling these people gave me after I had been so down with pain!

Well, guess what no posts the 9th-11th.

I promised myself to sit down nightly and recap the day. The day of the 9th, I took my next dose of Lyrica. It really did give me energy to do the things I needed to do. I noticed improvement in pain levels. My mental state was so positive. My mind actually went to work that day!

My prescription is 75mg twice daily. When I took the second pill that night at about 7pm., by 9pm I was feeling so sleepy I couldn't hardly hold my eyes open. I feel asleep in my chair. I then slept very soundly that night and morning, which I haven't been able to do in awhile. In fact, I am going for a sleep study this month.

1/10/08

I woke up feeling better than I have in awhile, took my morning dose, and what happened? I felt drugged out again. I was so sleepy, I couldn't do anything. I did not take the second dose that night.

1/11/08

I again took my dose in the am, and I felt very good again and was able to do my work. I took my pm dose after feeling so good and again went to sleep and had a good night's rest.

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Comments (12) | Add comment

Mear

1/ 8/08 9:12pm

Welcome!! Big Smile I am new to this forum as well. It is a great site to come to each day as it reminds us that we are not alone in our pain. I am sure you will find the people here as warm and informative as I have. By the way, you and I are practically neighbors. I am from Massachusetts. At least we are blessed in that we have some of the best doctors and hospitals in our area. So glad you wrote in and looking forward to your next entry.

Hugs,

Mear

Mary Evans

1/ 9/08 9:44pm

Thanks for the reply Mear!

You are right, there are some very good doctors and hospitals in this area. That is actually one of the reasons my husband and I moved to NH. We were in Florida for 21 years. The medical care there as far as I am concerned is a joke! It really is bad.

It really is good to find a place where there are others that do understand. I am also enjoying the advice and reading about others experiences.

The people here are very real and warm..

I look forward to seeing you around!

Mary

Betty Boop Too

1/ 8/08 10:15pm

Hello Mary

It's a plesure to meet you and I too hope that you will feel comfortable joining right in where ever you'd like.

Chonic pain & illness holds a great deal of anxieties, frustrations and turmoil for ones life. Sometimes it seems nearly impossible for some to get any decent & fair treatment.

I am currently happy with my own treatment, but it's also taken a great deal of work on my part to get my doctors to know that I'm serious about my treatment and in getting the most normal life out of this tragic mess as I'm possible.

I'm glad to hear that your doing well with your Lyrica and hope it continues to work well for you too.

Welcome to the CP Connections, we're very glad you've found us and began participatiing already.

Take Care, I'll see you arounds and look forward to your futher participation.

Betty

Mary Evans

1/ 9/08 9:52pm

Hi Betty Boop Too!

I am so glad to hear someone talk about their treatment plan is actually working. I really hope to get to that point!

Part of my problem has been to trust the doctors to take care of me. Prior to 2006, the doctor gave me a pill and I took it without question. I really didn't research or even read the drug precautions. I would have been so naive.

My blocked arteries were due to being on hormone replacement therapy. I took Activella for almost 5 years. I found out after surgery for a 99% blocked artery that no one should be on that medicine for more than a year.

I now am a participent in my health care. I read precautions and I contact my doctor when medicines are not right for me.

Thank you for the warm welcome! I do look forward to hearing from you again!

Blessings

Betty Boop Too

1/ 9/08 11:16pm

Mary

I've found the internet very helpful in really looking into each medication I'm on, the side effects, what exactly it does and so forth. I've also really tried to ask the pharmacist for his/her guidence as well, they normally are better prepared to give you the run down on your meds and I've found them willing to go through everythingwith me and help me in checking supplements & how they interact with the meds I'm already taking.

I'm happy to hear that your learning alot here at the cpConnection and I hope you feel free to continue with correspondence & questions.

Take Care

Gentle hugs

Betty

Chuck Murray

1/ 8/08 11:47pm

Welcome Mary,

I'm glad you found our corner of the web.

You'll find a great bunch of people and a wealth of information. Like Betty, I'm happy

with my current treatments(as much as that

is possible). I educated myself so when i see my doc I can talk to him about my ailments(I have several) so, he knows I'm serious when I see him.

Anyway, just jump in whenever you're up to it.

Chuck

Mary Evans

1/ 9/08 9:56pm

Thanks for the welcome Chuck! I am so glad to find this forum.

I am really glad to hear you are happy with your health care. People that have not endured CP just don't understand how much that means!

I will be around here for awhile. Right now I can't get enough of reading about the different therapies,etc.

This really is a great support site, but it also is a place for learning! I've learned a lot already about different therapies.

See you around!

Blessings

frank bartilotta

1/28/08 12:02pm

I fractured my right knee tues. night and ended up going to the emergency room the next day. The Dr. on call said it was fractured, and that I should see An ortho. surgeon as soon as possible. I g ot an appt. for this thurs. The dr. also gave me a script for percaset, which I cant take because it reads if you have an enlarged prostate do not take. I dont no if mine is enlarged but I had a PSA acouple of weeks ago and my results wern"t so good. Came back 5.9. I have been taking Piroxicam for pain but don't know if they are safe. I had these in the house which the VA prescribed for another pain .Could"t find anything on the site to yell me if they are safe to use if you have enlarged prostate .Please advise and email back.Thankyou

Mary Evans

1/28/08 1:15pm

Hi Frank,

Wow, fractured knee..that sounds very painful. I understand your concern with the Piroxicam and the prostrate. You would want to be very careful with your med's.

First of all, I'm not a doctor, I can only give you my opinion, but I would also say...talk to your ortho. You can call his office and tell the nurse your problem with your pain, I'm sure they will help you. Especially with a fractured knee!

My info on Piroxicam does not mention interactions with an enlarged prostrate. Mainly the precautions are kidney and liver damage.

Here is the info from WebMD:

Piroxicam Oral Precautions

Before taking piroxicam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease, aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stomach/intestine/esophagus problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn), heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of heart attack), high blood pressure, stroke, swelling (edema, fluid retention), dehydration, blood disorders (e.g., anemia), bleeding or clotting problems, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects.

I have not experienced any of the side effects. It was the only medication that helped with pain for me, I have Rheumatiod Arthritis. I also have problems with my carotid artery, so I can't take the NSAIDS.

Right now though, I am going through a remission and the Piroxicam does not help, both knees are swelled.

I really hope you get through this episode OK, it sounds like you are on your way with the Ortho. Good Luck! Let me know how it turns out for you!

Blessings,

Mary

Libby

3/11/08 7:35pm

i HAVE BEEN THERE AND STILL AM,AS I HAVE A 14 YR OLD AND 18 YR OLD.tHEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I CANT GET UP AND GO WALK THE MALL SHOPPING.oR GO TO BALL GAMES WHICH I ALWAYS DONE.eVEN GROCERIES ARE BOUGHT TO ME.i FEEL LIKE I HAVE FAILED THHEM..anD I BLAME THE DRS IVE HAD FOR NOT LISTENING TO ME.iM JUST ANOTHER SEEKER TO THEM.pAPERWPRK TESTS AND ALL.mY GRANDMOTHER NOW DECEASED COMES TO ME IN A DREAM I HAVE QUIET OFTEN TELLING ME TO RETURN TO THE WATER AND I SEE MYSELF JUMPING FROM A BRIDGE.iM NOT THAT SUICICAL BUT CLOSE.hOW PEACEFUL THAT OPTION MUST BE.hOW DO I GET A DOCTOR TO HELP ME...I WAS REJECTED BY A HALF BAKED PAIN SPECIALIST T HIS WEEK.SO I DO NOTHING AND WAIT UNTIL I CAN FIND A DR MILL.BECAUSE I CANNOT GO MUCH FURTHER..mY PAIN HAS TAKEN MY LIFE AWAY AND RASING THESE GIRLS ON MY OWN LOW INCOME EVEN LIMITS GAS FOR MY CAR.bUT YES LYRICA WILL TUCKER U UNTIL U GET IT INTO YOUR SYSTEM....THEN FOR MY EXP.IT MADE ME GAIN WEIGHT...big time...DR JUST OVERLOOKED THAT LIL FACT.IF WEIGHT IS SUCH AN ISSUE WITH BACK PAIN WHY IS THERE NO WARNINGS.GOODLUCK I HOPE ALL GO WELL WITH U...lIBBY

Mary Evans

3/12/08 11:07am

Libby,

I've been there, I understand your frustration. It seems the more you try to tell the Dr's about your pain, the more they are convinced you are just looking for pain medication. Well, I've been there with the pain medication and granted it eases the pain but the side effects can sometimes be worse...

I have problems sleeping when I am in pain. I finally told my doctor how frustrated I was that I go to bed every night with pain. I started staying up later and later until I was exhausted. She prescribed Cymbalta which is for depression but also helps pain. It has made it easier for me with the frustration of pain.

I know for myself, I was afraid to tell the doctor how frustrated I was in fear they would think the pain was in my head. If you have a primary that you feel comfortable with, try sharing your frustration with them. They may be able to help you cope with the pain.

I certainly feel the frustration in your post. I've also been where you are as a single parent and wondering how to make ends meet. That in itself can be enough without the medical issues.

Remember how much those children need you, at their ages they need you even more. It's worth a try if it can help you deal with the frustration of pain.

Let me know how you do, I'll be thinking about you!

Blessings,

Mary

Lynne

4/11/08 3:56pm

Hi All-

It is so upsetting to hear how many people are in pain. I've lived with it most of my life, going from doctor to doctor not getting anywhere. I've been given several types of anti-depressants, only to react badly to them. On low doses I become sick to my stomach, cannot sleep and/or trouble breathing and can't keep my eyes opened! The drugged feeling. I am drug sensitive so if there is a 1 percent of things that could go wrong, that would be ME! I just got back from the doctor's today. An new Rhemy...I have hopes. I'm on Prednison, which works wonders, but is not a drug to stay on and I've just been put on Pacquanil which is another not so good drug which can damage the eye. I'm not sure which is the worse of which evil. I just need to be pain free. I love my work and have 10 more years to go before retiring.

I wish you all well and good luck.

Lynne

2008-A New Year and Beginning

Piroxicam Oral Precautions

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